Heteroconger longissimus Günther, 1870
Brown garden eel
Heteroconger longissimus
photo by Patzner, R.

Family:  Congridae (Conger and garden eels), subfamily: Heterocongrinae
Max. size:  51 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 60 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Eastern Atlantic: known only from Madeira, Canary Islands and Senegal. Western Atlantic: Bahamas, Florida keys, Antilles, Yucatan, Belize and Honduras (Ref. 26938); extending to Brazil (Ref. 40101).
Diagnosis:  Eye large. Lower jaw longer than upper; 157 to 165 vertebrae (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Found on sandy bottom, living in colonies (Ref. 26938). Feed on plankton and detritus (Ref. 26938). They retreat into burrow when frightened (Ref. 9710). Probably spawn during warm season (Ref. 6521). Larval life spans 6-8 months (Ref. 6521).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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